If we can beat Huddersfield Town on Saturday at home, then we will be close to being home and dry in the Premier League and likely avoid relegation.
It would be a fantastic 3 points for us, but our players have to be at or near their best.
The Terriers have beaten us twice in our last three games and won 2-1 at St. James Park in August 2016.
Assuming we stay in the Premier League Rafa will need to strengthen the side significantly.
Hopefully, we can sign Martin Dubravka who has looked impressive in the Newcastle goal so far and seems to steady the defenders in front of him.
Martin Dubravka – brilliant in his debut against Red Devils
He will undoubtedly strengthen the side.
Since Sadio Haidara and Jesus Gamez will be released in the summer when their contracts run out, we expect Rafa to bring in at least one full-back to replace them.
Maybe a full-back who can play on either side would be a good acquisition, but left-back would be the priority since we have both Yedlin and Manquillo as natural right-backs.
Since Chancel Mbemba is almost sure to leave Newcastle this summer, Rafa will want to bring in another center-back.
And with Jonjo Shelvey currently being the only real creative midfield player in the team (Merino can grow into one), Rafa will want to sign a playmaker so we can be more creative as a team.
And up front, we could see two new strikers come in, and Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dwight Gayle will likely both leave the club – each for at least £15M hopefully.
We seem to have a lot of wingers at the moment, and if we can sign Kenedy permanently, Rafa will do that.
Otherwise, he could bring the likable lad back for another season on Tyneside – that would be a good move by Newcastle.
So based on this logic, we need the following positions filled with new players this summer:
Goalkeeper
Full-back
Center-back
Playmaker
Strikers (2)
Winger
Getting outstanding players in for those positions should make us a much better side next season.
We expect (at least) Mitrovic, Gayle, Mbemba, and Colback to leave the club this summer.
And hopefully, we will not be fighting relegation for the umpteenth time.
Did I mention we also need a new owner?
Comments welcome.
147 comments so far
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Mar 26, 2018 at 8:55 PM
Comment #81Being reported that Slimani in line to play tomorrow against Iran
Bigjim67
Mar 26, 2018 at 9:05 PM
Comment #82Well, we’re into the final week of 3 long weeks and it has been even more tedious than i expected. I’m working on Saturday so will only see the match on replay but am still looking forward to a good performance and three more points towards safety. Hwtl!
Bigjim67
Mar 26, 2018 at 9:08 PM
Comment #83Charlie.
He’s apparently not ready for Saturday so if he does play tomorrow i think there might be questions asked of the Algerian FA.
Jib
Mar 26, 2018 at 9:17 PM
Comment #84https://twitter.com/DZFootball_en/status/978328459125690368
Bigjim67
Mar 26, 2018 at 9:31 PM
Comment #85Jib
Cheers, I’m not on twatter so hadn’t seen that. So they will play him if necessary. In a friendly? Hope he isn’t played, may feature for us then.
Nicky the ball tosser
Mar 26, 2018 at 9:32 PM
Comment #86The squad has depth and balance but has lacked real cutting edge up top It’s an epl group, but is lacking a couple with a bit more quality. Shelvey is a star man in this league, and you only need three in key positions to be very competitive so long as the rest of the players are capaple, run around and play to instruction.
You’d want to keep Dubravka and Kenedy, and then go all out for a top number 9, and some real competition for Perez at 10. That’d be decent business in the off season
RobLeenio
Mar 26, 2018 at 9:48 PM
Comment #87JackBall, 😉
Nicky, agreed. Dubravka and Kenedy for starters then one CF, two if Mitro sold as seems likely, and a number 10 are essential. Would also like a Centre back to replace Clark, a LB to back up Dummett and another RB. Pretty sure that should see us in the top half come the end of next season.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 26, 2018 at 9:53 PM
Comment #88The best bit of business this summer would be Mashers selling up.
jane
Mar 26, 2018 at 10:12 PM
Comment #89West Brom
“”We are at record levels on wages, we have broken our transfer record and have loan fees at the highest level. There has been full investment – and a little bit more as well ”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43543439
jane
Mar 26, 2018 at 10:15 PM
Comment #90“The best bit of business this summer would be Mashers selling up.”
doesn’t that depend on who buys the club? it’s only good business if the new owner is better.
but there again Jail you are not objective on this matter! with you it is personal.
jane
Mar 26, 2018 at 10:20 PM
Comment #91the best bit of business is Rafa staying.
Nicky the ball tosser
Mar 26, 2018 at 10:25 PM
Comment #92You go all out and get relegated ya ferked. You need to consider this when you run the rule over Ashley.
Certainly it’s time to give someone else a go, but Ashley for me has simply made a few too many clangers and ran it a bit too lean, but really hasn’t been wildly off getting it right.
He hasn’t got it right though and he’s had over 11 years to do it and that’s no good at all. Ironically though he’s closer now than ever I think, and that’s down to Rafa.
Ashley is worth 3 billion but didn’t want to risk his own money, and didn’t want to take full responsibility for what he’d actually bought, still doesn’t. Pretty ordinary.
RobLeenio
Mar 26, 2018 at 10:28 PM
Comment #93Jane, close but not quite. The best bit of business this Summer would be Rafa signing a new 5 year contract. If not, he walks next Summer
Nicky the ball tosser
Mar 26, 2018 at 10:40 PM
Comment #94Ashley should be willing to sweeten the pot with twenty million of his own money each year, and he should build trust with Rafa. Go out for a curry with him once a month if you’re staying on Mike.
Online Guy
Mar 26, 2018 at 11:16 PM
Comment #95Oldgit1
Oldgit I was simply replying to Jibs Jibe ..he took me off topic.. just answered.
Anyway mate you will have clocked that a lot of our writers have alluded to music, at a time , when Football is in short supply.
It’s been inneresting ..not long to the Next Match ..Huddersfield are no walkover so got everything crossed here… let’s hope the ref is up to scratch ..we’re due a pen or two.
If we win we are only 5 points from real safety .
Online Guy
Mar 26, 2018 at 11:27 PM
Comment #96Bill in Essex
Yes Bill ..Iv got it covered …I am, and have been for the last 7 years. Many interviews, nattering really….. Its almost there. Can’t say much at moment Bill. Cheers
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 27, 2018 at 12:15 AM
Comment #97Online
Nice one mate, good to hear.
TyneMouth
Mar 27, 2018 at 1:01 AM
Comment #98Wonderful to read Bobbybee’s posts, good foota chat, most welcome…
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 27, 2018 at 1:42 AM
Comment #99Tynemouth
I would imagine you’ve got a book to write as well.
lesh
Mar 27, 2018 at 1:56 AM
Comment #100Essex
I was chatting to a bloke in the pub who said he’d been writing a book for umpteen years and so far, had gone through about two tons of toilet paper!
willowdalerez
Mar 27, 2018 at 5:23 AM
Comment #101Nicky – Agree about Kenedy and Dubravka butwe also eed to ang onto Lascelles they’ll be a number of top 6 sides in sniffin around to see if they can pick him up for a run out / to deepen their squad. Same for Shelvey.
So we bought a pig in a poke with Slimani eh… That’s what happens when you wait until the last days of the transfer window for a position you are desperate to fill. Hopefully he can play against the Foxes if he’s not in the line-up for Hudders.
cyprus
Mar 27, 2018 at 5:28 AM
Comment #102We must eventually take advantage of the strengths of both Merino and Shelvey. The latter has the vision and killer pass, the former is a more complete footballer.
So what to do with Mo, who’s been on fire? Play him too. How will the rest of the set-up be affected? Too early in the morning to figure it out 🙂
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 5:52 AM
Comment #103“but really hasn’t been wildly off getting it right’
I’d call two delegations and twice as many relegation battles while never making it past the fourth round of the FA cup pretty much as far from getting it right as you can possibly get.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 6:11 AM
Comment #104Jane,
Rest assured that as long as we’re not bought by the Venkys, It’s Gone, Tan or Short we’ll be better off than we are now.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 6:14 AM
Comment #105Oyston???
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 6:20 AM
Comment #106Cyprus,
Be patient, he’s 21 years old and new to a very demanding league in what’s been a mostly struggling team.
lochinvar
Mar 27, 2018 at 7:02 AM
Comment #107So Barcelona are now reported to be after Luke Shaw.
Nothing like trying to talk the market and price up then.
Leaked by Mourino I wonder to help him on his way out the door.
On a par with Aussie ball tampering – trying to swing a result.
lochinvar
Mar 27, 2018 at 7:16 AM
Comment #108Ashley’s investment portfolio might be under some pressure. Department store giant House of Fraser is said to be facing an uncertain future following reports that its high levels of borrowing are leading to problems raising fresh financing.
It is understood that the firm, which was bought by Chinese conglomerate Sanpower four years ago, has held talks with turnaround specialists Alteri Investors about a cash injection of around £40m.
Discussions are said to have ended, however, because the group’s main assets have already been pledged as collateral against existing debts.
House of Fraser, which has 59 UK and Ireland stores under the House of Fraser, Beatties and Jenners brands as well as stores in Abu Dhabi and Nanjing, is understood to have £400m of loans, made up of bank debt and bonds.
It employs 17,500 staff – which includes concession workers – including significant numbers at its North East stores at the Gateshead Metrocentre, Middlesbrough and Darlington.
Sanpower – which is controlled by one of China’s richest men, Yuan Yafei – owns 89% of the business, with the remaining 11% owned by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.
Jib
Mar 27, 2018 at 7:26 AM
Comment #109Adam Armstrong
EFL League One player of the month
for February and nailed on for March
with 7 goals in his last 7 games for
Blackburn Rovers
Rafa has to have a good look at him next
closed season !!!
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 7:46 AM
Comment #110Jiblets,
Imo he needs to stay with Blackburn should they get promoted. Bobby has pointed out several times that he needs to be in a team that plays to his strengths and Blackburn clearly are doing so, if he gets any where near his league one form in the Championship then it’s time to start thinking of bringing him home.
Jib
Mar 27, 2018 at 7:49 AM
Comment #111Jail
Fair point I guess
but no harm in Rafa having a look/see
which is all I proposed
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 7:53 AM
Comment #112Jib,
I’m sure he will be but I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t allowed to stay at Blackburn if they get promoted. It would be a big risk for his development sending him elsewhere and Blackburn seems perfect for him to prove himself at that level.
Jib
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:03 AM
Comment #113If Rafa is capable of bringing Chelsea’s young’uns
on – Kenedy this season – Atsu last season , surely
he can do the same for our own.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:09 AM
Comment #114I’m sure he is Jib but imo he’s better off staying at a club where he is getting regular game time and enjoying his football.
Jib
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:30 AM
Comment #115Huddersfield Town
……………….Elliot
Manquillo Lascelles Clark Mbemba
………..Hayden Merino
……Atsu Perez Ritchie
…………..Gayle
This was the line-up vs Huddersfield away
Aaron Mooys got the only goal probably
the only shot they had on target.
Ther was still 11 days of the transfer window left !!!
Jib
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:31 AM
Comment #116there
RobLeenio
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:46 AM
Comment #117On Merino, this lad knows what he’s doing with his career in my opinion. Currently, he’s on a European tour, learning his trade in the bigger European leagues before he goes home, either to Athletic Bilbao or, possibly, Barca. No way he would go to Real, I would imagine, or be welcome there as a Basque. Next step for him will be a Champions League team, either here or in France, but I imagine his plan is to stay here for at least one more season, maybe two, get established in the first team, learn everything he can from Rafa and then assess his options. Of course, his career may not pan out as he wishes, but there’s no reason he can’t achieve everything he wants in time.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:46 AM
Comment #118Jib,
And your point is?
Veltman
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:48 AM
Comment #119Is lochinvar Irish or Scotish? I like his reports but most of his studies are persistently related to Ashley.Wonder what he’s done to him.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:48 AM
Comment #120RobLeenio,
If Mashers slings his hook maybe we could be that CL team.